Festive high teas to enjoy in London this Christmas 2024

Tis the season to enjoy London’s festive high teas. We have carefully curated a list of afternoon teas across various locations and price points to consider this month. All are excellent stops, whether you are wandering the town to see the lights or merely need a break while dashing around Christmas shopping.

Great Scotland Yard Hotel

The Great Scotland Yard Hotel is offering a Festive High Tea in The Parlour.

#FLODown: The Great Scotland Yard Hotel, set within a Grade II listed building dating back to the 1820s, is offering a Festive High Tea in The Parlour. Serving in a refined and eclectic setting of cosy contemporary elegance, the space features comfortable upholstered seating, marble accents, and artfully curated décor, creating a cosy yet sophisticated atmosphere. After tea, you may wish to take a stroll in the area that has an abundance of London’s iconic landmarks on its doorstep.

Location: 3-5 Great Scotland Yard, London, SW1A 2HN Price: £65 per person, £75 with champagne. Website: Great Scotland Yard Hotel  Instagram: @gsy_london

Dukes

Dukes Hotel have a four-course festive afternoon in their Drawing Room.

#FLODown: The iconic Dukes Hotel in St James is offering a luxurious four-course festive Afternoon Tea in the elegant Drawing Room and serving sweet delights like gingerbread men and Christmas tree biscuits, alongside savoury treats such as smoked turkey rillettes. Perfectly located in the heart of St James, the hotel is just a short walk from the festive lights of Jermyn Street, Piccadilly, and Burlington Arcade.

Location: 35 St James Place, London SW1A 1 NY. Price: £65 per person. Website: Dukeshotel.com Instagram: @dukelondon

Four Seasons Hotel at Park Lane

The Four Seasons on Park Lane has introduced a delightful Festive High Tea at Pavyllon.

#FLODown: With impeccable quality and service always, we suggest the festive high tea in Pavyllon with a classic bûche de Noël (a Christmas log to you and me), spiced fruit cake, and clementine Mont Blanc, and of course, the obligatory finger sandwiches of Hertfordshire beef, Rhug Estate organic chicken, Scottish salmon, and truffled egg.

Location: Hamilton Place, Park Lane, W1J 7DR   Price: £100 per person. Website: fourseasons.com Instagram: @fslondon

The Lane

Festive Afternoon Tea at The Theatre Royal, Drury Lane. Image courtesy of The Lane.

#FLODown: The Regency Afternoon Tea has returned to The Lane following a £60m refurbishment and is now served in the glamorous, marble-lined Grand Saloon. Sweet treats are curated by the renowned baker to the stars and “Queen of Cakes,” Lily Vanilli, while savoury bites are crafted by The Lane’s in-house chefs. Uniquely, this is the only West End theatre offering Afternoon Tea, and it is open to all—a wonderful opportunity to step inside one of London’s historic theatres.

The Christmas edition of their tea is available until 3 January, featuring delightful festive decorations and holiday cheer. Vegans and vegetarians are well catered for, with an impressive selection of savoury items and scones.

Location: Catherine Street, London, WC2B 5JF Price: £59  per adult £20 per child. Website: thelane.co.uk Instagram: @thelaneldn

Harvey Nichols

 Harvey Nichols has partnered with The World of Tim Burton exhibition at the Design Museum to offer an indulgent and unique afternoon tea experience.

#FLODown: Afternoon tea where gothic elegance meets festive cheer. This year, Harvey Nichols partners with The World of Tim Burton exhibition at the Design Museum to offer an indulgent and unique tea inspired by the enchanting works of Tim Burton. The menu features a distinctive selection of savoury treats, including celeriac and cardamom soup and goat’s cheese mousse with black treacle, Marmite, and grissini. A perfect stop after a hard day of Christmas shopping.

The World of Tim Burton exhibition, showcasing his iconic creations and key collaborations with designers, is on display at the Design Museum until 21 April 2025.

Location: Harvey Nichols, 5th Floor 109-125 Knightsbridge, SW1X  7DRJ. Price: £40 per person or £50 with Champagne. Website: harveynichols.com Instagram: @harveynichols.

Biscuiteers

Biscuitters’ Christmas Afternoon Tea is available at their Notting Hill and Belgravia locations.

#FLODown: Christmas Afternoon Tea is inspired by the indulgent and familiar flavours of Christmas, including a luxurious selection of their signature hand-iced biscuits, delicious winter finger sandwiches and brioche buns, exquisite patisseries, and freshly baked scones. Served with a variety of bespoke blend Tregothnan Tea. There is an option to upgrade the experience and try your hand at icing your very own biscuits. A wonderfully engaging activity for the entire family.

Locations: Notting Hill & Belgravia  Price:  £48 per person, or £55.50 with a glass of Biscuteers Prosecco Website: biscuiteers.com  Instagram: @bisuiteersltd.

For Christmas dining…

Royal Lancaster Hotel

The Royal Lancaster is offering a Christmas Day Bottomless Brunch on both Christmas Day and Boxing Day.

#FLODown: If you find yourself in for a quiet Christmas for two or if you merely need to escape the trauma of Christmases past with the kids screaming, the dog barking and family members just lounging, whilst you cook, we see The Royal Lancaster’s Christmas Day Bottomless Brunch as a perfect option to spoil yourself. Also available on Boxing Day at a reduced price if you need to recover from the shenanigans of Christmas Day.

Location: Royal Lancaster Hotel, Lancaster Terrace, London, W2 2TY  Price:  £235 per person, £185 on Boxing Day. Website: Royal Lancaster London Instagram: @royallancasterlondon

Words by Natascha Milsom